Science Week
Over the past couple of weeks we have been celebrating Science Week with classroom activities and Scientists from Swinburne University. We have explored different aspects of science and used our scientific inquiry skills of: questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, recording and processing, analysing and evaluating.
Our Prep-Year 2 students examined the power of water and reflected on how precious and powerful it is in our world. We used water to dissolve salt, and baking powder and then were posed the challenge of separating a mixture of salt, sand and corn kernels using water and a spoon. Our explorations progressed to seeing how water molecules react when they come in contact with sugar, fat and chocolate. Using our newly acquired knowledge, we discussed the different ways scientists could clean the ocean if there is an oil spill. Scientist Lydia shared things that scientists are already doing, but asked us to think of other ways this problem could be solved.
Year 3-5 students experimented with dry ice chemistry and learned about carbon dioxide in its different forms, experiencing first-hand the energy of atoms and molecules as dry ice changes states. Throughout the fast-paced and activity-filled session, students explored concepts of condensation and sublimation.
Year 6 students explored electrical circuits. Their electrifying session bridged simple circuits to the world of complex electronics and robotics. Students learned about electricity and electrical conductivity in the context of atomic structure, and assembled simple circuits with motors, LEDs and solar panels. At the end of the session, students applied newly acquired skills to construct machines that jiggled and danced!
The experience of working with real-life scientists and getting to conduct our own experiments made our Science Week a memorable one - the students' enthusiasm and curiosity shone!
Evelyn Whatmore
R.E. & Curriculum Leader